With Liverpool 5 factors away from Manchester Metropolis on the high of the Premier League desk, there’s more and more one query on pundits’ lips.
Can Arne Slot’s Reds really win the title race?
It’s an enormous ask within the Dutchman’s opening season accountable for the membership following long-serving supervisor Jurgen Klopp’s summer season departure.
But, with Pep Guardiola already partaking in refined thoughts video games while the Sky Blues flounder in November, the query can solely be averted for therefore lengthy.
Paul Merson says Liverpool deserve extra credit score
Paul Merson was definitely of a thoughts to make sure Liverpool’s astonishing rise underneath Slot was recognised.
“I nonetheless suppose Arsenal have to win this soccer match. 10 factors behind Liverpool who’re an excellent staff,” the previous Gunners star stated on Sky Sports activities‘ protection of Arsenal v Chelsea.
“I believe Liverpool usually are not getting the credit score they deserve for the time being, if I’m being trustworthy.
“All people’s pondering, ‘Oh, nicely, Man Metropolis misplaced’. However Liverpool are spread-eagling for the time being. 10 factors is loads.”
Merson went on so as to add: “This can be a must-win sport for Arsenal. 10 factors. Liverpool may go on and lose two or three extra video games [whereas] Arsenal have gotten no room.”
The stats would definitely point out that some reward is due for the 46-year-old head coach.
28 factors amassed in his first 11 Premier League video games – solely matched by Guus Hiddink at Chelsea – is an astonishing achievement for a supervisor whose prior credit embrace Feyenoord and AZ Alkmaar.
“This can be a must-win sport for Arsenal” 😤
Merse says Arsenal should win in the present day to catch Liverpool 🗣 pic.twitter.com/2qrM8Q3pmV
— Sky Sports activities Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 10, 2024
Gary Neville continues to again Arsenal
Even when Liverpool don’t go on to win the 2024/25 Premier League title (the famed, Manchester United-matching No.20), we hope commentators received’t take away this spectacular begin to life at Anfield from Arne Slot.
Realistically, it ought to be remembered that we have been by no means anticipated to realistically problem for the title after transitioning to a brand new supervisor and elegance of play.
That stated, one can’t assist however roll their eyes when confronted with Gary Neville’s cussed backing of the Merseysiders’ title rivals.
“I believe Arsenal have gotten to win in the present day, I agree with Paul Merson,” the previous Manchester United star informed Sky Sports activities.
“I received’t say ‘must-win’, however I believe they’ve bought that mentality to go and win and get again to that time whereby they’re actually seen as challenges for the title.
“I strongly consider they’re.”
In Neville’s defence, there’s no query that the likes of Arsenal and Manchester Metropolis ought to be thought-about challengers. Nonetheless, this could rankle loads much less if the 49-year-old wasn’t on report as completely dismissing Liverpool’s title prospects due to (checks notes) a 2-1 win over Wolves the place we weren’t “anyplace close to” our greatest.
Even when Arsenal go on to beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Gary – they’ll nonetheless be seven factors behind us.
If Mikel Arteta’s males are thought-about “title challengers”, then so ought to Liverpool.
